PGAD Women’s Month celebration highlights women empowerment

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Provincial employees participate in the launch of the Women’s Month activities organized by the PGAD Office to promot...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Provincial employees participate in the launch of the Women’s Month activities organized by the PGAD Office to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Quezon province. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Women across the province are taking center stage this March as various programs highlight their important role in community development and leadership. A series of activities that promote women’s empowerment, health, livelihood, and gender equality has been launched by the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office in celebration of National Women’s Month across the province.

The Women’s Month observance in Quezon province is aligned with the national campaign led by the Philippine Commission on Women, which this year carries the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” The campaign calls on government agencies and communities to strengthen programs that promote equal opportunities, safe spaces, and greater participation of women in development.



PGAD Head Atty. Generson Paul Mercado said Women’s Month highlights the continuing efforts of the provincial government to promote gender equality in communities. He explained that the observance also encourages greater participation from communities in advancing women’s rights and welfare.

“Ang pagdiriwang ng Women’s Month ay hindi lamang selebrasyon kundi isang paalala ng ating patuloy na tungkulin na itaguyod ang karapatan, dignidad, at kapakanan ng kababaihan sa ating lalawigan,” ani Mercado. “Sa pamamagitan ng mga programang inilunsad ng PGAD, nais nating mas mapalakas ang boses at partisipasyon ng kababaihan sa paghubog ng isang mas inklusibo at makatarungang lipunan.”

Mercado also emphasized that cooperation among government offices is important in implementing programs that support women and communities. He added that partnerships allow agencies to maximize resources and expand services for the public.

“Kahit limitado ang ating pondo, nagiging pagkakataon ito upang higit tayong makipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang tanggapan at ahensya,” dagdag niya. “Sa ganitong paraan, napagsasama-sama natin ang mga programa at mas napapalawak ang serbisyong naihahatid para sa kababaihan at sa buong komunidad.”

Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan emphasized the importance of strengthening programs that protect women’s rights and provide more opportunities for them to take part in social and economic development. She also commended the PGAD Office for leading initiatives that help ensure provincial programs remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and communities.

“Mahalaga na patuloy nating suportahan ang mga programang nagbibigay lakas at oportunidad sa ating mga kababaihan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan,” pahayag ni Tan. “Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga inisyatiba, mas napagtitibay natin ang papel ng kababaihan sa pag-unlad ng ating lalawigan.”

Tan also emphasized that empowering women helps build stronger families and more resilient communities throughout the province. She said supporting women’s participation in development and decision-making remains an important priority of the provincial government.

“Ang pagbibigay-halaga sa kakayahan at ambag ng kababaihan ay mahalagang bahagi ng pag-unlad ng ating lalawigan,” dagdag ni Tan. “Kapag nabibigyan sila ng tamang oportunidad at suporta, mas nagiging matatag ang pamilya at komunidad.”

Among the highlights of the celebration is “Tiangge ni Juana,” scheduled from March 2 to 6, which features products made and offered by local women entrepreneurs from different communities. The activity gives women an opportunity to promote their goods, connect with customers, and expand their market reach.

PGAD is also conducting the Zumba Activity: Transform, Aspire, Nurture (TAN) in partnership with the Provincial Sports Office to promote health and wellness. Zumba sessions are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of March, encouraging employees and members of the community to stay active and engaged.

Health services are also included in the celebration through breast and cervical cancer screening for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the province. The screening will be conducted in Barangay Tongko, Tayabas City to provide preventive healthcare services and raise awareness about women’s health.

A livelihood training on meat processing will also be organized for IP women in the same barangay as part of the celebration activities. The training aims to help them gain practical skills that can open opportunities for additional and sustainable income.

Environmental protection will also be highlighted through activities such as tree growing and coastal cleanup organized by participating groups. These activities encourage community participation while promoting responsibility in protecting natural resources.

Promoting gender equality requires the participation and commitment of everyone in society, with respect and protection for women practiced in workplaces, communities, and homes. The advocacy for gender equality also emphasizes building a safe, fair, and humane society where mutual respect and concern for others strengthen communities and help safeguard the rights of all people.